"People are everything": Q&A with First State Super's Lisa Collins

My career in financial services began in the retail sector working for the CBA. My interest in financial planning came from my desire to assist customers with their financial needs and the satisfaction from speaking to people and getting to understand how I could help. I feel like I grew up in the financial services industry having been a part of it since leaving school......too many years ago now!

Having only just arrived at First State Super I've really enjoyed getting to know my team and understanding the First State Super story so far. Being such a successful fund and one of the industry's leading profit for member funds, it's great to have insight into the strategic plan and to know that the Business Development team will play an integral part in that plan is very exciting.

My role is to lead the Business Development function which includes leading a team of industry professionals who engage with key employers, members and stakeholders. This involves engagement at all levels, across various locations in NSW, VIC and WA in all our sectors including health, police, education and the public service sector. The team's function is to promote First State Super to those working in the industries we represent by providing quality education, advice and support to ensure the best possible retirement outcomes for members and the best possible support to employers.

The last 10 years have been a busy time in the industry. We have seen funds continue to recover and build from the GFC in 2008 and regain member confidence. We have also seen the introduction of MySuper, FOFA reforms and an increase in the rate of SG contributions, along with fund mergers and the growth of the self-managed funds sector. Along with various regulatory changes, as an industry we have had to work hard to earn the trust of members as the custodians of their retirement savings and provide the confidence in a system of compulsory savings.

That's a big one to answer but as the population matures and balances grow, for Gen X and Gen Ys, funds will need to be very dynamic and innovative in the way they communicate with and retain members. As more baby boomers start to retire, funds will need to plan for an increase in outflows from funds to pension members, I think we will need to be more innovative in this space for members too. I also think we will see more fund mergers and tougher competition as funds work hard to maintain relevance and scale for members. This will be particularly more relevant with potential changes to the default position for funds and changes to the structure of fund boards.

Being able to develop so many fantastic relationships with great people in the industry would have to be the highlight. Knowing that these have become trusted and long-lasting friendships is invaluable. Being able to build a large network of colleagues, friends, industry contacts, mentors, mentees or just relationships with employers and members has been very rewarding. People are everything, roles come and go but knowing you have made significant relationships is so important.

My mother wrote a note to me in an autograph book in 1969 which I found shortly after she died some years ago, "God gave you two ends, one to sit with and one to think with. Your success in life depends on which end you use the most. Heads you win, tails you lose" This is the way she lived her life, she certainly lived by example which I aspire to.

I had a couple of first jobs at the same time, working in the family business - a café in Eastwood NSW - and as a salesperson for the discount store Sydney Wide Discounts.

I was born in Canberra and moved to Sydney just prior to high school. I think growing up in the 70's was a great period and the nation's capital was a great place to live. Life seemed a bit less complicated back then than today, you learnt what your teacher taught you, what you could find in the Encyclopedia Britannica and did what your parents told you and the music was great!

I try to stay as fit as my time and energy will allow, early morning gym sessions and playing netball. I think if you are happy and commit to things you make time for balance. Travelling and a busy job make this a challenge, and some weeks can feel more balanced than others!

I'm bit of an open book really so those who know me probably aren't surprised by much at all but I am a keen amateur photographer and I have a phobia of the dentist!